President Bola Tinubu has taken a decisive step, boosting the morale of the Super Eagles and other national teams ahead of the 2023 AFCON.
Clearing a longstanding backlog of N12 billion, the payment encompasses coach salaries, allowances, and promises to various sports teams, including the Super Eagles.
President Tinubu, through the X handle of his Media Centre, made an unprecedented announcement, approving the payment that the Federal Government owed not only the Super Eagles but also various sporting teams across the nation.
The tweet read;
President @officialABAT has approved the payment of N12 billion outstanding backlog for Nigeria’s National teams of various sports, which includes Super Eagles and others.
The payment entails the clearing of the senior national team coach salaries running up to 15 months, payments of allowances and promises due to the senior national teams, females, and Under-20 national team.
This substantial sum covers a backlog of 15 months’ worth of senior national team coach salaries, outstanding allowances, and promises owed to both the senior national teams, the female squads, and the Under-20 national team.
As the Super Eagles gear up for the Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to kick off later this month, President Tinubu’s timely intervention injects a renewed sense of motivation and financial stability into the national teams.
Meanwhile, this move by the President reflects a commitment to the development and welfare of Nigeria’s sports sector, marking a significant milestone in addressing the financial challenges faced by the national teams.
With this financial boost, the Super Eagles can focus wholeheartedly on their AFCON preparations, knowing that their dedication and hard work are backed by tangible support from the highest office in the land.
The AFCON 2023, the 34th edition of the biennial African Association Football Tournament, promises riveting matches and intense competition.
With 24 teams vying for glory, the tournament will commence on January 13, 2023, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.